Page 20 of Embracing the Earl (The St. Clairs 3)

“That’s quite all right, my lord. I wanted to see as much as I could today.”

“I know we didn’t have a chance to look at properties yet.”

“Don’t worry,” she assured him. “I needed to see all that you showed me today. It’s given me a score of ideas and the direction I want to take in my endeavor.”

“You can’t do that on an empty stomach. I was to take tea at my brother’s this afternoon.” He consulted his pocket watch. “It’s almost that time now.”

“Yes, Rachel mentioned that she and Evan were also invited to tea.”

He frowned. “They are Rachel and Evan to you, while I’m still Mayfield.” The earl shook his head. “That won’t do at all. We’ve spent hours and hours together today. Please. Call me Luke.”

A nervous giggle sounded from her and she swallowed, trying to shove it down. “Very well. Then I am to be Caroline.”

“Caroline,” he said thoughtfully. “That sounds... right to my ears.”

She closed her eyes. Everything was right to her in regard to this man. He was handsome beyond description, with his mesmerizing green eyes and dark, thick hair that was black as night. His tall frame seemed to dwarf her at times and yet his touch was gentle. Sitting so close to him, she could smell his clean, masculine scent from the soap he’d used with his morning bath. Her lips itched to touch against his, which was the most outlandish idea that had ever occurred to her.

Caroline had never kissed a man. She’d decided she didn’t want to marry. And yet the thought of never kissing Luke was causing the most awful heart palpitations.

“Are you unwell?” he asked softly.

She opened her eyes. “No. On the contrary, I’m feeling exhilarated.” She smiled. “I must thank you for squiring me about today. I had no idea what awaited me. If you hadn’t done your research and showed me what I was up against, I fear my bookshop would have been a massive failure, one which did not cater to the needs of women.”

The carriage came to a halt. Caroline looked out and saw an enormous townhouse.

“Is this your brother’s residence?” she asked with trepidation.

“Yes, I grew up here. And at Eversleigh, the ducal country estate.”

He opened the door and, as before, lifted her from the carriage with ease.

Tucking her hand through the crook of his arm, he said, “I cannot wait for you to meet my family.”

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